Translation
A translation project usually
includes both linguistic and non-linguistic tasks. Linguistic tasks are
translation, editing and final proofreading, while non-linguistic tasks are
project management and reformatting. Listed below are the tasks that can be
required in a typical translation project, in the order in which they are
performed:
• Document preparation
• Draft translation
• Editing
• Reformatting
• Final proofreading
Each of these tasks is briefly described in the following paragraphs.
Document preparation
The document to be translated is imported into a translation memory
software. This software, which keeps all previously translated documents in
a database, automatically identifies segments of the imported document that
match those in the database. This operation not only allows the reuse of
previous translations and thus can result in significant savings, but it also
provides a superior degree of translation and terminology consistency, and
helps preserve the original structure of the documents. Text blocks embedded in
bitmap exhibits are retyped and saved in a separate file which is then
imported into the translation memory and processed along with the rest of
the files.
Draft translation
The translator starts by reading the entire source
document to get familiar with the subject, after which he renders the
source document into the target language, consulting available glossaries
and reference materials. Once the draft
translation is finished, the translator checks the target
document for completeness, grammar and spelling.
Editing
The editor, another translator with equal or higher qualifications,
reviews the
translation comparing it to the source document. He checks for grammar,
punctuation, spelling, and syntax. The editor also checks for inappropriate or
inconsistent terminology, misunderstandings, mistranslations, omissions or
additions, and inappropriate style or register, and makes any necessary
changes to ensure that the translation is culturally acceptable and that
the language is fit for its purpose. Any questions, comments and suggestions
about the source document are brought to the client's attention during this
step.
Reformatting
After the translated file(s) processed with the
translation memory software are exported into the original files, the desktop publishing
or typesetting specialist reformats the translated document
adjusting line spacing, font size and spread, in order to fit the expanded target
document within the available space. He
also checks all cross-references and
markers, and replaces all non-editable text blocks
previously extracted from bitmap exhibits, by their corresponding translations. Additionally, he generates all
target screen shots and place them instead of the original source screen
shots.
Final proofreading
Once reformatted, the proofreader checks the target document for any
remaining grammar, spelling, hyphenation, line breaks, and reformatting
errors, to make sure that it meets professional translation standards and
that it is ready to be delivered to the client.
